Judy Blume’s beloved 1970 classic young adult novel finally makes it to the big screen in a sweet film of the same name, ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET. The biggest question with this charming film version is what took it so long? Maybe it was waiting for writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig, who has crafted a marvelous film adaptation, that balances the novel’s honesty with a lightness and entertaining touch appropriate for the character’s age. An excellent cast, and perfect music from the era, complete the picture.
The film offers plenty of moments pre-teen girls will recognize, but this film is for everyone regardless of age or gender. It also has nostalgic treats for parents who read the book when they were young, but one does not have to have read Judy Blume’s classic novel to enjoy this delightful film.
Set in 1970, the film opens as 11-year-old Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Fortson) is just returning from summer camp. She is glad to be back home in New York City, but her parents Barbara and Herb (Rachel McAdams and Benny Safdie) have big news: they are moving. To the suburbs in New Jersey, no less. It is a big change and Margaret is upset, particularly because her beloved paternal grandma Sylvia (a wonderful Kathy Bates) will no longer be so close by.
But they do move to the land of lawns and lawnmowers, because her dad got a promotion that gives them more money. Her mom Barbara, an art teacher, is actually looking forward to being just a housewife, and having more time with her daughter and to participate in school activities like the PTA. Plus they will have a bigger house and a yard. As soon as they move in, a girl from next door, Nancy (Elle Graham), knocks on their door and invites Margaret to her house to run through the sprinkler, a new experience for city girl Margaret. Plus Nancy has a cute brother. Maybe it’s not all bad.
While Margaret copes with all the changes the move brings, she also faces all the typical worries and concerns of a girl who is 11 going on 12. Margaret worries about her changing body, if she should buy a bra, if she is “normal,” about fitting in, as she navigates new friendships. She witnesses bullying, has questions about religion, and has budding romantic feelings, all as she starts to explore who she is. The film, like the book, deals with these real-world questions in an honest way but with an age-appropriate touch.
The actual Judy Blume makes a brief appearance near the film’s start, shortly after the family moves to the suburbs. Judy Blume’s classic children’s novel deals with a number of real-world problems pre-teens and teens face, as does this fine film adaption. When the book was published in 1970 (the same year in which this film is set), “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” was ground-breaking, a big departure for children’s literature, by dealing with honesty with the real-life concerns of a girl of her age but written in an age-appropriate and entertaining style. The novel became a huge bestseller and also created a new literary genre: the young adult novel. Over the years, “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” has remained popular but also often the target of book banning. Judy Blume fans might also like to know there is a new documentary about the author coming out, JUDY BLUME FOREVER, to go along with this film release.
The film’s visual style perfectly captures the 1970s era where it is set, and that is perfectly paired with excellent music choices drawn from the era. songs that often punctuate moment with just the right feeling. The film has bright lighting and candy-color period sets and costumes, complemented by that marvelous period-appropriate score. The score delights again and again, underlining things Margaret is coping with, often adding a touch of humor with its spot-on choices.
One of the most charming parts of this sweet coming-of-age film is Kathy Bates as Margaret’s loving grandma Sylvia. Bates is funny and cute as the typically New York Jewish bubbe, a role she plays extremely well. Actually, she steals the show at several points, standing up for her granddaughter, providing love and support, and a refuge from all the changes Margaret is facing.
The film is sweet and appealing, with a fine cast led by young Abby Ryder Fortson as Margaret. Audiences may recognize Fortson from her previously role as Paul Rudd’s daughter in the Ant-Man movies. Here, Fortson gives a nice, likable performance, capturing nuances of Margaret’s inner struggles on her expressive face. Rachel McAdams is very good as Margaret’s mom, who faces her own crises in this story, and is well supported by Benny Safdie as her husband. But often it is Kathy Bates as grandma Sylvia who steals the scenes, and acts as Margaret’s anchor in the storm. The young cast members who play Margaret’s friends, Elle Graham as Nancy, Amari Alexis Price as Janie, Katherine Mallen Kupferer as Gretchen, and other characters, played by Isol Young, Landon S. Baxter and Aidan Wojtak-Hissong, all give well-crafted performances.
This is a sweet, charming adaptation of a beloved children’s classic that both younger audiences and parents can enjoy, even if they haven’t read the Judy Blume book.
ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET opens Friday, Apr. 28, in theaters.
RATING: 3.5 out of 4 stars
